Which sleeping bag?

[MaggieW]

We need two adult and two junior sleeping bags - and as we're new to camping, don't want to spend too much. I'm not sure which ones to buy as they all seem to have different "comfort" or tog rating systems etc. Also not sure whether to go for non-compression cotton covered ones or polyester cover compression ones. I have memories of camping of a child and every time I moved at night hearing the swish swish of the polyester - mind you, I think technology has moved on from then!

Any advice gratefully received.

Personally I prefer polyester cover and cotton or poly/cotton inner, though the cotton makes them much bulkier. Definitely compression ones though, you'll have enough bulky stuff to pack! If you're doing summer camping in UK/Europe, then 3-season bags should be about right, 4-season if you're chilly types. Adults generally need warmer bags than children. Our dc use dh and my old bags with a belt tied tightly around the bag about 30cm from the bottom to prevent them getting lost if they slip down inside it at night. Dh and I have two humungous bags that can either zip together as a kingsize double bag, or be used as two separate luxurously large bags (he's tall and I like to sprawl, so neither of us is comfy in mummy-shape bags). I got them at Halfords, and have been very pleased with them.

Also, mummy versus envelope style - which is best. The mummy ones look a bit restrictive in size but that's just an impression - what are they like to sleep in?

I find mummy bags almost imposiible to sleep in, because I like to turn round inside the bag. plus I slep with my hands across my chest and can't do this inside my mummy bag [blush

Envelope for me every time

Mummy style can be very restrictive if you are a bit full on the hips and you will find that it is like wearing clothes - it moves with you (and gets twisted up)! There are some versions that are available in women's fittings but these tend to be at the upper end of the market. I would go for the rectangular type unless you are planning to camp somewhere really cold. If you have plenty of room in your car, use your own duvets.

We've got mummy ones and i hate it (feel like a stuck caterpillar)....but the kids always seem warm and snug and never complain.

Oh, troutpout how funny! We call our mummy bags 'maggot bags'. I do find them a little on the 'thin' side and my pajamas seen to end up over my knees in the first 30 seconds, but other than that, they are ok.

I was in Millets today picking up one of their free camping list things and they have an offer on that if you spend over £100 you get two free maggot bags (two season ones) worth £20 each.

hi, we bought polyester outer, cotton inside ones last year, i hated it. first they so not like real blanket/duvet, noisy when move. anyway im terrible sleeper, i move loads and sleep like starfish, so wasnt the one for me, went caravan shop and bought cotton, cotton/poly reverseable ones for us, havent ried yet, but hopefully its good.
go for only envelope one .